In a classic case of cricket confusion that has set social media ablaze, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor found himself at the receiving end of massive online trolling after committing a fundamental cricketing error.
The controversy erupted when the Parliamentarian and noted wordsmith took to Twitter to praise Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav, but with a significant factual inaccuracy that left cricket enthusiasts stunned.
The Tweet That Started It All
Tharoor, known for his eloquent English and intellectual prowess, posted: "Delighted to see spinner Kuldeep Yadav's smashing innings as an opener!" The well-intentioned tweet quickly backfired as cricket fans immediately spotted the glaring mistake.
The fundamental error? Kuldeep Yadav is actually a left-arm fast bowler, not a spinner. To compound the blunder, Yadav wasn't even playing as an opener in the match Tharoor was referencing.
Social Media Reacts with Fury and Humor
The digital sphere responded with characteristic blend of outrage and wit:
- One user quipped: "Sir, please stick to vocabulary lessons. Cricket commentary isn't your forte."
- Another mocked: "Tharoor discovering new dimensions of cricket that don't exist."
- Many questioned how someone so knowledgeable could make such a basic cricketing error
- Memes comparing his cricket knowledge to his famous vocabulary went viral
Not the First Political Cricket Gaffe
This incident joins a growing list of cricket-related blunders by Indian politicians. Previously, BJP leader Amit Malviya faced similar backlash for confusing cricketers, while other politicians have mixed up player roles and match statistics.
The episode highlights the risks public figures face when commenting on sports without adequate knowledge, especially in cricket-crazy India where fans are particularly sensitive about technical accuracy.
Broader Implications for Public Figures
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for celebrities and politicians venturing into sports commentary. In an era of instant social media scrutiny, even well-meaning posts can trigger massive backlash if they contain factual inaccuracies about beloved sports.
As the trolling continues to gain momentum, it remains to be seen whether Tharoor will issue a correction or maintain his stance on this unexpected cricketing controversy.
